England in command after first day of Perth Ashes Test

PERTH - England bowlers made a sensational start to the third Ashes Test at Perth’s WACA Ground by bowling out Australia for 268 in their first innings on day one on Thursday.

Electing to bowl first after captain Andrew Strauss won the toss, England had a dream first session in which they took four quick wickets to have the hosts reeling at 65-4.

England fast bowler Chris Tremlett (3-63) made the most of his inclusion for the injured Stuart Broad, gaining steep bounce and late movement to account for the wickets of Phil Hughes (two), Michael Clarke (four) and Steve Smith (seven), the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Tremlett was well supported by Jimmy Anderson, who finished with figures of 3-61 and seemed unaffected by a dash home for the birth of his daughter.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting (12) was intent on aggression, before Anderson induced a fend wide of off-stump where Paul Collingwood took a breathtaking snare.

The early batting collapse again left Michael Hussey to repair the damage, who looked solid in the middle as he went on to score a confident half-century.

Hussey shared a crucial 68-run partnership with Bradd Haddin (53), before the left-handed batsman was dismissed by off-spinner Graeme Swann (2-52) for 61.

Mitchell Johnson (62) also slammed a quickfire half-century, which boosted Australia’s total along with a last-wicket stand of 35 between Peter Siddle (35) and Ben Hilfenhaus (13 not out).

England were 29-0 at the close of the day’s play with Andrew Strauss (12 not out) and Alastair Cook (17 not out) at the crease.

Another commanding performance with the bat on Friday would put the tourists on course to secure the victory that would give them a 2-0 series lead, and ensure that they retain the Ashes with two Tests remaining.

Brief Scorecard:

Australia:- Ist innings: 268 (Johnson 62, Hussey 61, Haddin 53, Anderson 3-63)

England:- Ist innings: 29-0 (Strauss 12 not out, Cook 17 not out) (ANI)